In a recent announcement, the Delhi government has taken a firm stance against overage vehicles being parked in public places. The government's directive specifies that vehicles exceeding the prescribed age limits must either be parked in private spaces or undergo scrapping. This decision underscores Delhi's ongoing efforts to tackle environmental concerns and traffic management within the city.
The guidelines, initially issued in February and reiterated through a recent public notice, emphasize that overage vehicles cannot be parked in areas immediately outside residences, which are considered public spaces. Instead, owners are instructed to use private parking spaces, including those within residential complexes but designated for individual use only.
According to reports, the Delhi government has already deregistered a significant number—5.5 million—of overage vehicles as part of its measures to curb pollution and improve air quality. This deregistration aligns with previous rulings from the Supreme Court of India, which imposed bans on diesel and petrol vehicles older than 10 and 15 years respectively, in Delhi.
Owners of such vehicles are provided with two primary options: firstly, they can obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to relocate their vehicle out of Delhi within one year from its expiry date. However, any NOC applications submitted after this one-year period will not be accepted. Alternatively, owners can choose to scrap their vehicles using the Voluntary Vehicle Scrapping Application available at registered scrapping facilities.
The enforcement of these regulations involves collaboration between multiple agencies, including the transport department's enforcement wing, New Delhi Municipal Council, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, and the Traffic Police. These bodies are empowered to impound overage vehicles found parked in public spaces, irrespective of whether an NOC has been issued. Furthermore, the guidelines specify penalties for non-compliance, including potential prosecution under the 'Guidelines for Handling of End of Life Vehicles 2024'.
This initiative reflects Delhi's commitment to enhancing urban sustainability by reducing vehicular pollution and optimizing land use. By strictly regulating where overage vehicles can be parked and offering viable alternatives such as scrapping incentives, the government aims to mitigate the environmental impact associated with aging vehicles.
In summary, the Delhi government's latest directive underscores its proactive approach to managing vehicular pollution and ensuring better public health outcomes for its residents. By enforcing these measures, Delhi continues to position itself as a leader in urban environmental management, setting a precedent for other cities grappling with similar challenges worldwide.
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